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Round Up: GK Guru Visit Ridge Creek Dinuba Golf Club Dinuba California

Ridge Creek Dinuba Golf Club

GK Guru Visit Ridge Creek Dinuba Golf Club Dinuba California

ALERT: Aeration
Aeration of the greens 6/22 & 6/23.
* Although Greenskeeper.org researches all alerts before posting, we ask that you please contact the golf course for confirmation.

Reviewed by: JohnnyGK, Thousand Oaks
Catching up on this review from Wednesday 6/10. Good times out at Ridge Creek Dinuba with rgm2525, CenCalGolfer33 and Deepsea14. It’s a great location for a meet-in-the-middle for SoCal and NorCal golfers. It’s also a great course that has yet to ever disappoint me. Personally I think it’s vastly underrated as far as rating and slope, this golf course has some serous teeth. Fairways are generous for the most part but miss them and almost always pay a steep price in deep rough, hazard or a nasty bunker. Greens are large but no push over. And if the wind kicks up this already long golf course, 7482 from the tips, will have you for lunch.

The Review

Golf Playing Conditions 6.74 GOOD
Golf Playing Conditions 6.74 GOOD

We teed off at 11:30 and finished in just over 4 hours with no waiting. Greens in great shape, holding shots but a touch slower than times I’ve played them in past. Their COVID-19 precautions pins were the only negative as they hardly let the ball drop so you need to agree upon prior to the round with your group what a good or not good putt is just in case. Fairways played fantastic. Last year the fairways were more lush and green but were also soft. Aesthetically they looked better then but they play much better this time allowing release on golf shots you would expect from the links style course. Plus the lies were great all day. Love fairways like this. Rough was beastly if you found the second cut. Hit and miss, well mostly miss, at finding your ball. The first cut was about an inch above the fairways and easy to hit from. Greenside rough varied in length and let me give you a word of advice, take an unplayable drop if you are in it wherever you are on the golf course. I took an 8 on hole 4 because it took me 4 lob wedge hack shots to escape it. Tee boxes in good shape but a little dry. Bunkers, COVID-19 conditions with no rakes and I believe they allow you take a free drop from them. Sand is old, hard and compressed. My guess is this has a lot to do with COVID-19. Personally I think they should fill in some of the bunkers in that need extreme work. Would be a cool look on some of the holes.

Amenities at Ridge Creek Dinuba as well as service are excellent. It’s a must that you experience the massive decked out practice facilities when visiting and enjoy the food from Jack’s restaurant if you have time. They are doing take out for golfers making the turn or you can now dine in on the patio social distanced. Bummer I did not have time after the round to grab a bite there as I normally do.

Check out the photos I posted. We might be doing an outing there in November.

They punch the greens 6/22 & 6/23 so try to get up there before that but if you don’t once the greens heal the golf course will be in excellent shape in July. Highly Recommended.

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RECAP: GK Guru Visit Eagle Glen Golf Club Corona California

'Eagle Glen Golf Club Corona California Hole 17

Eagle Glen Golf Club

GK Guru Visit Eagle Glen Golf Club Corona California

Reviewed by: Nickesquire, Rancho Mirage, CA

Golf Playing Conditions 6.25 GOOD
Golf Playing Conditions 6.25 GOOD

Rode the Blues (6279/70.4/131) with Dconnally, Gary00 and Sbogey in 4H, 15M for two GK Cup matches today. The weather was sunny, breezy and around 80. Thanks to John for coordinating with Eagle Glen to set this up.

Like the hilly layout, lots of elevation changes and the large greens are challenging. Some forced carries and a few blind shots. Most holes have red hazards with lost ball bushes down both sides, but most are not overly tight. The front 9 is more target golf, the back 9 more wide open.

The Review

The tees were okay. Several needed divot repair and the back had several tees that looked to be maintained higher than the front?

The Bermuda fairways were sprayed green and generally played better than they look. Mostly winter thin with a few bare spots here and there that were marked Ground Under Repair (GUR.)

The mostly Bermuda rough was thinner than the fairways but still had adequate coverage. Mowed down, not overly penal.

The fairway traps were hard packed and good to play from except for an excessive amount of rocks. The green side sand traps were decently maintained with a much higher quality sand.

The poa annua greens on the front looked to have been recently verti-cut and seemed faster and firmer that the greens on the back IMO. The front was smoother and putted medium fast speed. The back greens spongier and more medium speed. They were fairly smooth and held well struck irons with some run out.

Final Thoughts

The customer service was very good from everyone encountered. Drink cart out and making numerous rounds. Plenty of water stations on the course. Dave and I grabbed a snack afterward, good service and the food was decent. GPS got stuck on hole 12, noticed my phone app also quit around the same place on the course, so maybe poor cell reception in that area? This would be a very challenging course to walk, combination of the hills and the sheer distance from some greens to the next tee.

Fun layout, recommended.

Eagle Glen Golf Club Corona California GK Coupon
Eagle Glen Golf Club Corona California GK Coupon
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Round Up: GK Guru Visit Revere Golf Club CONCORD Henderson Nevada

The Revere Golf Club CONCORD Henderson Nevada Hole 12

The Revere Golf Club (Concord)

Round Up: GK Guru Visit Revere Golf Club CONCORD Henderson Nevada

Reviewed by: JohnnyGK, Thousand Oaks

Golf Playing Conditions 7.21 GREAT
Golf Playing Conditions 7.21 GREAT

The second round of the day, 1/31, was on the Concord Course. We teed off at 12:56 and just completed 18 holes before sundown. Joined again by rob1563, famed02 and mpisarski01, this was my first time playing the Concord Course and I was very impressed. Had heard how this course is the little brother to the Lexington Course, IMO, no way, this golf course is equally as fun if not more fun. As good as the views on the Lexington Course are, the views on the Concord Course are better. There are so many elevated tees hitting to beautifully framed fairways and greens. It’s a blast. And the 18th hole is instantly one of my all-time favorite closing holes. Dramatic downhill Par 5 that if you catch your drive just right can roll all the way down for a mid-short iron to the green. However the green complex is exceptionally guarded (see photo).

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The Revere Golf Club CONCORD Henderson Nevada Hole 5
The Revere Golf Club CONCORD Henderson Nevada Hole 5

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The Revere Golf Club CONCORD Henderson Nevada Hole 15
The Revere Golf Club CONCORD Henderson Nevada Hole 15

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The Review

As far as the conditions, even better than Lexington, that is if you don’t mind dormant Bermuda rough. Personally I love the framed dormant rough/over-seeded fairway look and this course does it as well as I’ve seen just about anywhere. Plus with most fairways bowled if you hit the rough it kicks back into the fairway, sure is nice to get a lot of good breaks out there. Greens are large and challenging. All in great shape, smooth, firm and fast. Fairways lush with over-seeded rye providing great lies all day. Tee boxes, a little bigger than the Lexington Course so consequently less divot damage in great shape. Bunkers, actually a step down as far as quality of sand than the Lexington Course which was not good to begin with so that’s where improvement is needed most.

As with the Lexington Course, great service with many visit from the on course service. We played the silver tees, next time I want to step back to the gold tees if playing in the winter. If playing in the Summer, it’s a different ball game because all the dormant rough kicking you back in the fairway in going to be lush Bermuda rough holding up your ball providing awkward difficult shots. I bet the golf course is at least 5 strokes harder in the summer. I will find out!

Check out the photos I just posted!

Highly Recommended.

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The Revere Golf Club CONCORD Henderson Nevada Hole 10
The Revere Golf Club CONCORD Henderson Nevada Hole 10

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The Revere Golf Club CONCORD Henderson Nevada Hole 7
The Revere Golf Club CONCORD Henderson Nevada Hole 7

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RECAP: GK Guru Visit Reflection Bay Golf Club Henderson Nevada

Reflection Bay Golf Club Henderson Nevada Hole 17

Reflection Bay Golf Club

RECAP GK Guru Visit and Golf Course Review Reflection Bay Golf Club Henderson Nevada

Reviewed by:  JohnnyGK, Thousand Oaks

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Reflection Bay Golf Club Henderson Nevada Hole 14
Reflection Bay Golf Club Henderson Nevada Hole 14

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Reflection Bay Golf Club Henderson Nevada Hole 9
Reflection Bay Golf Club Henderson Nevada Hole 9

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Played Reflection Bay Golf Club with KevBig for only the second time yesterday, this time in winter rather than summer conditions, next I got to play it in spring conditions, because this place is just fantastic. Great conditions, service and quickly becoming one of my favorite desert layouts.

The Review

Playing Conditions 8.03 GREAT
Playing Conditions 8.03 GREAT

Compared to the summer conditions, greens a little faster, little more smooth and firm. Fairways lush but in terms of rye grass instead of Bermuda. You don’t get as much roll in the winter. Rough, dormant providing a beautiful contrasting look framing every hole except hole #7 (guess because its along side of the road). Bunkers in great shape with quality sand. Tee boxes mostly lush, level, well groomed in great shape.

Have to say while there is not one let down hole and they are all a blast to play, holes #8 and #9 are breathtaking. They used to be holes #17 & #18 but logistically it made more sense to flip the nines a couple years ago and given that current holes #17 & #18 are awesome I got no complaints. The par 3’s and par 5’s IMO steal the show on this course. All the par 5’s are beautiful risk/reward holes and provide for big hitters a chance to get home in two. The Par 3’s provide a major test with holes #8 & #17 right on Lake Las Vegas stunning.

Another thing about Reflection Bay is the service. From the moment you pull into the lot to leaving you are constantly made comfortable with friendly smiles and professionalism. After golf we sat down in the grill which I understand was not there a couple years ago and had excellent food.

Final Thoughts

The only drawback is the golf course does not, at this time, have a driving range to warm up on. It does have some hitting bays. I’m not one that needs a range often but I could see those that do not too a happy about it.Check out the photos I just posted.

Highly Recommended.

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GK Guru Visit Rio Secco Golf Club Henderson Nevada

Rio Secco Golf Club Henderson Nevada Hole 9 GK Guru Visit

Rio Secco Golf Club

Golf Course Review Rio Secco Golf Club Henderson Nevada

Reviewed by: sixpez, Rancho Mirage, CA

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Rio Secco Golf Club Henderson Nevada Hole 2 GK Guru Visit
Rio Secco Golf Club Henderson Nevada Hole 2 GK Guru Visit

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Rio Secco Golf Club Henderson Nevada Hole 5 GK Guru Visit
Rio Secco Golf Club Henderson Nevada Hole 5 GK Guru Visit

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Had fun out here yesterday with JohnnyGK, kevbig and rob1563. We teed off at 7:50. It was a great clear day for pictures, but it was rather chilly and extremely windy. That made a demanding course even more difficult and it eventually wiped all of us out. Nobody in front of us or behind us, so we enjoyed a nice relaxed pace of a little over 4 hours.

As Kevin described, the conditions overall were very nice. The tee boxes were generally great. There were a few of the whites where the over-seed didn’t seem to come in as well, but never had a problem finding a fine spot to tee it up. The fairways were excellent. Deep green with perfectly fluffy lies all day. The rough is kept dormant and it was shaved down to almost nothing in most places. Some rough sections provided reasonable lies while others were just way too firm and thin. Bunkers were excellent. Greens were also great. They were firm, yet receptive enough and rolling well at fairly quick speeds (especially wind-assisted putts).

I always enjoy any visit to Rio Secco and this one was no exception, especially when playing with a fun GK Guru group. The cold wind gusts certainly made things interesting, but the course is so enjoyable. As always, the staff was fantastic and the facilities are great, so it’s definitely worth a high recommendation.

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Rio Secco Golf Club Henderson Nevada Hole 5 GK Guru Visit
Rio Secco Golf Club Henderson Nevada Hole 5 GK Guru Visit

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Rio Secco Golf Club Henderson Nevada Hole 14 GK Guru Visit
Rio Secco Golf Club Henderson Nevada Hole 14 GK Guru Visit

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RECAP: GK Guru Visit Rio Secco Golf Club Henderson Nevada

Rio Secco Golf Club Henderson Nevada Hole 17 GK Guru Visit

Rio Secco Golf Club

Golf Course Review Rio Secco Golf Club Henderson Nevada

Reviewed by: rob1563, Las Vegas

Golf Playing Conditions 8.08 GREAT
Golf Playing Conditions 8.08 GREAT

Played on Thursday, 11/8, with JohnnyGK, Sixpez, and Kevbig and had a great time on a very breezy and unusually chilly Vegas day. Excellent service from bag drop to finish, friendly staff, drink cart around at least 5 times, and the type of service you expect from a Vegas resort.

Course is in great condition. Lush fairways, non-penal cut down, dormant rough along the fairway. Longer, thicker rough around the greens. Bunkers seem a little heavier from prior visits. Greens were firm and scary fast.

This is the third time I’ve played Rio Secco in the last 6 months and every time I love it more. Easily tops my list of courses in the Vegas Valley and definitely a must play when visiting.

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Rio Secco Golf Club Henderson Nevada Hole 18 GK Guru Visit
Rio Secco Golf Club Henderson Nevada Hole 18 GK Guru Visit

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Rio Secco Golf Club Henderson Nevada Hole 15 GK Guru Visit
Rio Secco Golf Club Henderson Nevada Hole 15 GK Guru Visit

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RECAP: GK Guru Visit Bali Hai Golf Club Las Vegas Nevada

Bali Hai Golf Club Las Vegas Nevada Hole 11

Bali Hai Golf Club

Golf Course Review Bali Hai Golf Club Las Vegas Nevada

Reviewed by: JohnnyGK, Thousand Oaks

Golf Playing Conditions 7.35 GREAT
Golf Playing Conditions 7.35 GREAT

Finally got to experience Bali Hai in Las Vegas Thursday with Kevbig, rob1562 and famed02. Super time!

Bali Hai lived up to its image as a high rollers “Vegas” course and then some. What I liked most about Bali Hai was how “Vegas” the place is. It totally personifies it. Its right next to the famous Las Vegas sign, there are constant views of the Mandalay and Luxor hotels, hospitality Vegas style with friendly attractive staff, deluxe fancy clubhouse, fun atmosphere throughout the property, music, great food (get the Hole-In-One breakfast bagel in the morning and the Bali Hai ½ burger in the afternoon) … this is a unique one of a kind experience.

The Review

Regarding the golf course, fun challenging layout with an island tropic theme. Much more demanding than I expected and we played the Silver tees. I could have stepped back to the Gold tees but glad I did not for my first time. No way am I playing the Black tees. Forgiving off the tee but very challenging on approach with lots of big difficult bunkers to deal with. Some forced caries over water on the par 3’s yet many opportunities to go for the par 5’s in two. The par 3’s IMO are the star of the golf course. All of them beautiful with varying lengths. The layout can get repetitive at times with holes featuring the same backdrops and similar design … however they are all great holes so I didn’t mind. Check out the photos I just posted!

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Bali Hai Golf Club Las Vegas Nevada Hole 4
Bali Hai Golf Club Las Vegas Nevada Hole 4

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Bali Hai Golf Club Las Vegas Nevada Hole 2
Bali Hai Golf Club Las Vegas Nevada Hole 2

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As far as conditions its in great shape. Their fairway over-seeding did not go as well as planned on the majority of holes, still good coverage but not as lush as one would expect. But they are addressing it with a deep veriti-cut + extra watering so I anticipate the fairways conditions to improve significantly within a matter a weeks. Greens in great shape with the back nine greens being better than the front nine greens. Mostly smooth, medium speed and holding shots. Rough, oh boy, its nasty difficult around the many greens. Being October the Bermunda rough is still present and a good 4 inches deep in many areas around the greens. Quite a few times my ball was buried and I had to chop it out. Other times I’d hit a good approach just short of the green and it would shut my ball down. As far as the bunkers, well-groomed with quality sand. I found my share of traps for sure. Tee boxes, the Gold and Black tees looked like they were in great shape, but we played what I think 90% of golfers play out there, the Silver tees which were in OK shape. Some with noticeable divot damage and few that need to be leveled. Again Gold and Black tee boxes looked very nice.

Parting Thought

Over the years I’ve read a lot of mixed reviews about Bali Hai and I now know why. If you are someone that could care less about a one of a kind “Vegas” golf experience that no other golf course can replicate, you might be disappointed. My suggestion is everyone should try playing this course at least once although because the uniqueness of the full experience it provides if it’s in your financial means to do so. I really enjoyed it.

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RECAP: GK Guru Visit Bali Hai Golf Club Las Vegas Nevada

Bali Hai Golf Club Las Vegas Nevada Hole 18

Bali Hai Golf Club

Golf Course Review Bali Hai Golf Club Las Vegas Nevada

Reviewed by: famed02, Henderson, NV

Golf Playing Conditions 7.35 GREAT
Golf Playing Conditions 7.35 GREAT

I was fortunate to be invited to play with Johnny, Kevin and Rob on this awesome course for the first time. Thanks Johnny!

Upon arrival at bag drop, there is the option to valet your car. In tradition with true Las Vegas, I did so, plus I wanted the full experience (lol).

Because of the amazing service, there was very little effort required on my part, other than to play and have fun.

The valet takes your car and clubs and points you to the food hut, where the breakfast burrito looked amazing. I didn’t have one, but Rob did and confirmed that it was good.

Our cart was set up for me and then we were offered a caddy for $40 a person (not sure if all 4 needed to pay). The caddy would help with hole play, putting advice and what I thought would have been totally worth it, ball finding! We passed on the offer, but someday, I would like to try it.

The Review

You know you’re at a really nice track when you hit the ball, it goes off into the dry creek bed and the greens guy goes to get it for you. He ran down, picked it up, cleaned it off and then handed it to me. That was cool.

The course was in good shape. There were some spots that were a little sloshy and clearly were damaged due to over watering, but they were on it and had the locations staked off.

The silver tee box must have been, as Johnny put it,”the favorite one” because it looked to be the most used. Lots of divot holes and it seems like they were having a hard time keeping up with it.

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Bali Hai Golf Club Las Vegas Nevada Hole 15
Bali Hai Golf Club Las Vegas Nevada Hole 15

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Bali Hai Golf Club Las Vegas Nevada Hole 14
Bali Hai Golf Club Las Vegas Nevada Hole 14

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The views were spectacular because of the great design and there is plenty of opportunity for some really good shots. We played early in the morning and because Las Vegas is one of the busiest airports in the world at that time, airplanes were taking off overhead the whole time. After a while you tune them out.

Although I am not as good as most everyone, I found it challenging, but not as much as some others. Rio Secco, for example, was much more challenging in my opinion. That being said, it was a very fun course. There were several holes where you had to “thread the needle” which made it really exciting.

Final Thoughts

As I have always said, “it’s the little things”. Bottom line, you can pretty much play anywhere you want, but its the cool stuff that keep you coming back. Believe me when I say, Bali Hai has this and more.

I felt like there must have been a drink cart girl for each of the nines. I saw them at least every two holes, but no coffee, which was a bummer.

After we were done playing, the cart guys point you to the food hut again and say, “Just let me do all the work, the clubs will be waiting for you at valet.” I took my phone and my wallet and the rest was done for me. The cart was cleaned out and THEY EVEN POLISHED MY SHOES AND PUT THEM IN MY BAG WHEN THEY WERE DONE!!!! Don’t forget to tip though.

Marvelous Monique come by with the “Vegas Tradition” of Jello shots, which totally hit the spot. I then had one of the best cheeseburgers I’ve ever had at a golf course. Outside was the typical beach resort atmosphere with music, people having a good time and enjoying a cocktail.

Bottom line, if you are looking to play and have “The Las Vegas Experience” in a one-stop location, look no more. It is basically on the strip and can’t be any more convenient for out-of-towners.